Swazi Observer

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UNSAFE ABORTION IS A SILENT EPIDEMIC

By Sitakele Maseko (Community Circles Coordinator) | 2024-12-12

Unsafe abortion is a silent epidemic claiming the lives of countless women and girls worldwide, including in Eswatini.

During an Interface dialogue at Zikhotheni community held on November 7 at Galile Sport Ground, it came out clearly during the dialogue that young women face preventable deaths or life-altering complications because they lack access to safe, legal, and affordable reproductive healthcare.

Members of the community say this harsh reality forces many to seek dangerous alternatives, risking their health and lives.

Colani Hlatjwako, the Africa Regional Coodinator of One Billion Rising, mentioned that unsafe abortion in Eswatini was rooted in poverty, stigma, and inadequate access to reproductive health services.

Many young women, particularly in rural areas like Zikhotheni and Galile, lack access to affordable contraception and reproductive health education.

Faced with unplanned pregnancies and societal pressure, they often turn to unsafe methods performed by unqualified practitioners. She continued to say the consequences of such actions include severe infections, infertility, or even death.

Restrictive abortion laws further exacerbate this crisis, limiting safe options and leaving young women with no choice but to take dangerous risks.

Addressing unsafe abortion is deeply tied to achieving gender equality. When women and girls have control over their reproductive health, they can pursue education, careers, and personal growth without fear of societal backlash.

By advocating for women’s rights and supporting initiatives that empower girls, we can create a more equitable society where no woman is forced to risk her life due to an unplanned pregnancy.
The community of Zikhotheni must take a stand against unsafe abortion.

This fight is about saving lives and affirming the dignity, autonomy, and rights of every woman and girl in our community.

Together, we can demand better access to sexual and reproductive health education and services, challenge harmful stigmas, and advocate for policy reforms. By standing united, we can break the silence, end the stigma, and ensure a brighter future for all.

Let us rise as a generation of hope and change, building a community where every woman feels valued, supported, and empowered to make choices about her body without fear.

Engaging policymakers and traditional leaders is also essential. Eswatini’s restrictive abortion laws make it difficult for women to access safe and legal services, even in cases permitted by law.
The youth can initiate dialogues with community leaders to advocate for policy reforms and improved access to reproductive health services.

By hosting community forums and participating in advocacy campaigns, we can amplify our voices and push for change. Stigma surrounding abortion isolates women and prevents them from seeking help.

The youth can challenge this stigma by fostering open and compassionate conversations about reproductive health.

Sharing real-life experiences humanises the issue and highlights the importance of safe, legal abortion access.

Creating safe spaces where women can share their stories without fear of judgment fosters understanding and solidarity within the community.

Resolutions during the interface dialogue at Zikhotheni on on sexual reproductive health rights and unsafe abortion:

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n Girls and young women of Zikhotheni agreed that it is time for the youth of Zikhotheni and Galile to unite, raise their voices, and stand against unsafe abortion, by advocating for sexual and reproductive health rights, challenging stigma, and demanding systemic reforms. “we can change the narrative and safeguard the lives of women and girls in our community”- said one of the young women.

n There is a need to reshape societal attitudes and drive change. The members of the community agreed that by speaking in one voice and coming together, they can create a safer and more supportive environment for women and girls.

There is a need of continuos empowerment of girls and young women. Many young people lack accurate information about sexual and reproductive health, leaving them vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Peer-to-peer education, community workshops, and online campaigns can help bridge this gap. Social media platforms provide an opportunity to share factual and engaging content with young audiences, empowering them to make informed decisions.

n Another critical step is advocating for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education in schools. Many young people are unaware of how to prevent unplanned pregnancies or where to access reliable resources. The youth can push for curriculum reforms that include education on contraception, consent, and reproductive rights. Collaborating with organisations like One Billion Rising and other stakeholders can strengthen these efforts and ensure they reach the right audiences.

n Preventing unplanned pregnancies is crucial to reducing unsafe abortions. Building a supportive community is very important. Community circles as safe spaces for discussing reproductive health issues, sharing resources, and empowering one another must be established. These circles can also serve as platforms for economic empowerment

n Their voices call for a balanced approach—one that respects traditional values while embracing the necessity of progress. Elders advocate for restoring family structures and moral guidance to help youth make responsible decisions.

They emphasise the importance of involving parents in conversations about sexual and reproductive health, bridging the gap between generations to create a unified approach. Elders in the community are also supportive of initiatives that provide young people with access to contraceptives and education.

They understand that knowledge is power and that empowering the youth with information is key to preventing risky behaviour. Some elders have even called for the involvement of spiritual and traditional leaders in these efforts, ensuring that cultural sensitivities are respected while addressing urgent health needs.

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